DESTINATION GOLF 2022
Westport
Ballinrobe
Ballinrobe has received high praise from Padraig Harrington , who described it as “ the finest championship golf course in the West of Ireland ”. It is spread over an old estate of 300 acres with big trees and gentle changes in elevation . There ’ s an old stone wall or two , ponds and lakes ( but not too many ), swathes of gorse and one good hole after another . It has an easy flow . A par 73 , with five par fives , it measures 6,144 metres ( middle tees ). Finding the right fairway position on the doglegs is the main challenge . Big trees stay back … with the one exception being the weeping ash completely blocking the 18th green .
Westport
Westport sits on the edge of Clew Bay , where the sea laps up to the best holes and the ever-present Croagh Patrick looms large . Given the mountain ’ s iconic status , golfers may go searching for inspiration . On the par three 14th , you hit directly at it . This is a par 73 of 6,800 yards ( middle tees ). There are five par fives , with the 15th being the pick of the bunch , curling around the waters of the bay and demanding a big drive to clear it . Westport shifts gear considerably from the 7th on , when some significant ridges appear . Holes 11 to 16 are superb , using the best elevation changes , the best views and the water to thrill you .
Connemara
Eddie Hackett ’ s name sits in the design column of many Irish golf courses and the links at Connemara is yet one more . The course also boasts a fascinating evolution thanks to a local priest . There are 27 holes here , tucked away in the remotest spot south of Clifden . The drive across the barren beauty of Connemara , however , is just one of the joys of playing here . The course matches that barren beauty , its holes wrapped around an impressive clubhouse which sits up high and allows visitors to take in so much of the course . Flags flutter in every direction , towards the Twelve Bens , beneath rocky hillocks and in front of raw seascapes . The fairways - like the views – are generous , which they need to be when the wind whips in over the often exposed course .
Portumna
The ancient forest which surrounds Portumna contrasts against the glorious estate of undulating terrain that flows within . This is parkland in every sense of the word , where mature oak , ash and beech trees wander across the landscape as casually as the deer which frequently appear from the forest . Here the holes all work perfectly together , establishing a lazy rhythm where gentle changes in elevation are used to show off holes to full advantage . It promises a tantalising day with the driver . The sweetest changes come on the par three 5th , descending between the trees , and the par three 18th . Portumna is a beautiful , unfussy parkland offering exceptional value .
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